Probe into Magnitsky case extended

Forensic experts said Magnitsky died of a combination of several illnesses, and untimely medical assistance and diagnostics of chronic diseases

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MOSCOW, November 24 (Itar-Tass) — The timeframe for the investigation into the tax evasion case against Sergei Magnitsky, Hermitage Capital Management lawyer, has been extended, the investigation department of the Interior Ministry told Itar-Tass on Thursday.

Sergei Magnitsky, 37, died in an IT ward of the hospital on the premises of the Matrosskaya Tishina remand prison on November 16, 2009, seven days after he was officially charged with organizing and abetting grand tax evasion. He had spent 11 months in custody.

Forensic experts said Magnitsky died of a combination of several illnesses, and untimely medical assistance and diagnostics of chronic diseases.

On November 2009, criminal prosecution of Magnitsky was dropped due to his death. However, the probe was resumed at the instruction of the Prosecutor General's Office based on the ruling by the Constitutional Court.

Earlier, the investigation department said another decision on dropping criminal prosecution requires the consent of all his close relatives.

In September, Magnitsky's mother said she categorically objected to resuming the criminal probe, in a statement to the Interior Ministry. The investigator met with Magnitsky's widow and her lawyer, and they, too, objected to the decision by prosecutors and investigators.

The Interior Ministry said the woman had reserved the right to decide on re-investigation, in order "to rehabilitate her husband."

"The case will be investigated until all the close relatives have given their consent to stop it," the Interior Ministry underlined.

The investigators have not yet drawn a list of Magnitsky's close relatives.